Sonny Templin

Edward Lawrence Templin was born February 2, 1938, in Port Arthur, TX, the son of Eugene Templin and Eva Robinson Templin. Edward grew up in and around the Mesquite and Pleasant Grove area. He met Doug Rhoades and spent a lot of time with the Rhoades family. Edward met and married Judy Rhoades on December 5, 1962, and had three children, Glenn, Rhonda and Kathy. Edward rode bulls until Kathy was born. Edward lived in Seagoville, TX and Mesquite, TX prior to moving to Terrell, TX. Edward was a welder by trade. He worked at Garden Denver, Ingersoll Rand, WMI and retired from R&R Designs in Terrell at the age of 81.

He had a passion for Bull riding and teaching the younger generation of bull riders how to improve on skills they already had and help teach the ones who were just starting or had the interest in riding bulls. He enjoyed rodeo, hunting, cooking, RFD TV and the Cowboy Channel. He loved going to the Able Springs Café for Ms. Mary’s famous burgers and fries. He cared for the people who worked there and the patrons who came. He loved scratch offs and vanilla shakes.

He passed away on Monday afternoon at the Smith home February 21, 2022.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; sister Peggy Holleman, 2 nieces, Kathy Holleman Rhoades and Tanya Holleman King.

He is survived by brother Tim Templin of Sugarland, TX, The mother of his 3 children Judy Rhoades of Lake Fork, TX, Son Glenn Templin of Lake Tawakoni, TX, daughter Rhonda Templin Smith of Edgewood, TX and daughter Kathy Templin Mathis of Combine, TX.

He has 9 grandchildren: Cameron Poland, Brooke Yates Duke, Kara Poland, Tyler Yates, Payton Kelley, Wacey Johnson, Alexis Smith, Brandon Rable and Hunter Templin. He also had 13 great grandchildren with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.